Odisha FC ended in a stalemate with the Central Coast Mariners during their second-leg face-off in the AFC Cup 2023-24 Inter-zonal semifinal, which took place on Thursday evening at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Despite their previous heavy 4-0 defeat in the first leg, the Mariners, who are the proud A-League champions, advanced to the Inter-zonal final to compete against the Kyrgyz team, Abdysh-Ata Kant.
The match itself unfolded without much fanfare. Odisha FC, showing promise, embarked on the game with an intent to pressure the Mariners’ defense. Nevertheless, the visitors displayed resilience, thwarting Odisha FC’s attacking attempts, and not allowing them to have a single effort on goal.
Odisha FC exit AFC Cup with no shots in second leg
⏰ FT | 🇮🇳 Odisha FC 0️⃣-0️⃣ Central Coast Mariners 🇦🇺 (0️⃣-4️⃣ Agg.)
— #AFCCup (@AFCCup) March 14, 2024
🌴 It ends goalless at the Kalinga Stadium as the Mariners progress to the Inter-Zone Final!#AFCCup | #OFCvCCM pic.twitter.com/gv0LwUNFjn
The first-leg’s setback seemed to inspire a fortified defense by Sergio Lobera’s squad, preventing a repeat of their earlier loss. A pivotal moment arrived in the 25th minute when the Mariners were awarded a penalty following Carlos Delgado’s foul on Ryan Edmondson. Despite Mikael Doka’s success at the penalty spot in the first-leg, his attempt this time hit the post, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
Controversy struck in the 76th minute when Odisha FC appealed for a penalty due to a handball by Mariners’ defender Nathan Paull, but their appeals were dismissed by the referee, to the chagrin of the local supporters.
Odisha FC is set to focus back on the Indian Super League, where they will meet Bengaluru FC in an away game on March 30. Following a recent 2-1 defeat to Chennaiyin FC, Lobera and his team aim to clinch a victory in the ISL playoffs.
